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THE HAUNTED MILL; 



OR- 



Con O'Ragen s Secret 

AN IRISH DRAMA 

IN THREE ACTS, 



-BY . 



Bernard Ff Munre.' 



-0- 



TO WHICH IS ADDED — 

A DESCRIPTION OF THE COSTUMES-CAST OF THE CHARACTERS- 
ENTRANCES AND EXITS— RELATIVE POSITIONS OF THE 
PERFORMERS ON THE STAGE, AND THE WHOLE 
OF THE STAGE BUSINESS. 

Entered according to the act of Congress in ihe year 1893, 6y \\ 

AMES' PUBLISHING CO., '^^'1 7 J 

in tie oMce of the Librarian of Congress at Washington. 



CLYDE, OHIO : ^— - 

A.MES' PUBLISHING CO. 



P5 ^.4-?-7 

S THE HA UNTED MILL. VA^^ij^ 

CAST or chahactebs. 

Cox O'Ragex A trnshearteJ lad 

Frank Dalto n A young American 

8QUIRE CoRRiGAN A landlord. 

MuRTY ToBix Known at the "i^o.x." 

Bob Jackson , A detective. 

ISToRAH O'Kelley The village heautyt 

Mrs. O'Kelley JVorah's mother. 

Mrs. Corrigan A deserted loife. 

Maureen XoraWs maid. 



COSTUMES. 

Squire. — Black coat and pants, dark blue vest, silk hat, walking 
cane. 

Frank. — Black coat, vest, i:>ants, frock coat, black derby hat, kid 
gloves. 

MuRTY. — Knee breeches, red stockings, shoes and red cap. 

Ton. — Knee breeches, red stockings, slippers and soft felt hat. 

Bob.— Dark gray snit and stiff hat. 

NoEAH. — 1st. \Vhite muslin dress, blue sash. 2nd. Awhited.es^ 
jewels and lace veil. 

Mrs. O'Kelley. — 1st. Blue dress. 2;id. A dark red dress. 

Mrs. Corrigan. — 1st. An old calico dress and shawl. 2nd. A 
plain white dress. 

Maureen. — A red petticoat, dark green bodice, short sleeves, black 
stockings, and a white hood and cloak. 

l^^OTE. — The costume worn by Frank Dalton as the priest, may be 
either a priest's cassock, or a black suit of broadcloth, and white 
collar. 



-0- 



TIME—\% HOURS. 



SI AGE BTRECllONS. 

ft., tneans RigrTit; T... Left; R. h.. E,!«:ht Hand; l. h„ Lpft; Haml; n.. Centra; <?. n!., 
[2d E.,1 Second Entrance; tj. r., IJpner Entrance; m. d.. Middle Door; f., the Fla**; 
D. P., Door in Flat; r, c, Right of Centre; l. c, Left of Centre. 

R. R. c. c. L. 0. T,. 

»** The rep,der is supposed to be upon the stage facing the audience. 



The Haunted 

—OR — 

CON O'RAGEN'S SECRET. 

ACT I. 

- CEXE I. — A table l., chairs, door r. and l., dishes on table, 
window c, Maureen washing dishes an curtain rises. Music — 
'^Last Hose of Summer.^' 

Maureen, (singing) 

*' 'Tis the last rose of ?u:nmer, 
Left blooming alone," 

's tupping suddenly) I thought I heard some one singhig. 
Con. {outside singing) 

"As I strolled out one morning, 
A fair maiden I di 1 spy." 
Mau. It's that scamp, Con. I wonder what brings him here now ? 

Enter, Con O'Ragen, r. 

Con. (boicinp) Top o' the morn in' to ye, Miss Maureen. 

Mau. (also bowing) The same to yon, Con. 

Co)K Oh I but you're lookin' bright and beautiful this mornin', 
r.ocMishla. 

Mau. Stop your flattery Con, or I'll leave the room I 

Con. (In amazement) Leave the room is it? Mother of Moses, 
^I.Mireen, ye wouldn't be so cruel. 

Mau. {indifferently Why? I don't see anything cruel in that. 

Con. You don't, don't ve? 

Mau. (shaking head) No. 

Con. But sure I do. What would the liUes of me be afther doin' 
in this kitchen all be meself? 

Mau. As for that, ye won't be alone long. I'll send Miss Norah 
to ye. 

Con. The devil take Miss Xorah ! 

Mau. (sharply) Con, what are you saying? 

Con. (hunbly) I ax yer pardon. Miss Maureen, but ye know very 
U'ell I didn't come to see Miss Norah. 

Man. (in pretended surnr'^ifi) l!Tot to see Norah ? Who then prav, 
did you come to see? 



fy THE HAUNTED MILL. 

Con. (aside) The little witch, (aloud) Yourself, of course. 
3Iau. What do you want to see me for? 

Con. Oh ! just to tell ye of ine great re,2::u-Ll for ye. 

Mau. Indeed! (aside) It's co niiiic. (aloud) I'm sure, I am 
eery thankful for the kind thoug'its y u ;iave entertained for the 
likes of me. 

Con. Ye're welcome to them, darlin'. (aside) Brace up Con, ye 
robber, sure ye're, gettin' there foinely. (aloud) Maureen, I've a 
great secret to tell ye. 

31au. A secret? What is it, Con ? I do, so love to hear a secret. 

Con. Yis, mosht wimen do. 

3Iau. (pouting) I think you're real mean. 

Con. I was only jokin' diirlin'. But about the secret; ye protnise 
not to tell anyone ? 

Mau. Of course I promise not to tell. 

Con. Well ye see, Maureen, I'm takln' desperate chances. I know 
of a great many wimen who can't kape a secret. 

31uu. But I won't tell. Con. Didn't I promise? 

Con. Come here then. Bend yer head. ISTow do ye know, their 
is a certain girl that I think a great deal of. She's an awful pretty 
girl, with rosy cheeks, and black eyes, an' hair the color of her eyes. 

Mau. (aside) My heart stops beating, (aloud) Well what's this 
lovely girl's name? 

Con. Her name is it ? 

Mau. Yes. 

Con. Her name — Ye won't tell anyone? 

Mau. Oh, pshaw! How many times must I promise? Didn't I 
promise already ? 

Con. To be sure ye did. But thin ye musht remember ye're a 
woman. 

Mau. Oh, indeed? Then you think a woman can't keep a secret? 

Con. W^ell 1 am positive, that I know a great many wimen that 
2an't! 

3Iau. (in a temper) Well, if you think I can't keep your old 
secret, you need not tell it to me ! 

Con. (coaxingly) Darlin', 1 haven't said I wouldn't thrust ye 
with it, have I? 

3Iau. Then why don't you tell it to me? What's her name? 

Con. Her name is — 

Mau. {anxiously) Yes, yes! 

Enter, ISTorah O'Kelley, l. 

Norah. Good morning, Con, I am glad to see you. 

Con. Good mornin' Miss Norah, and God bless ye! 

Norah. Thank vou, Con. 

Con. (aside) If she had only staid out a minute longer, I'd a told 
Maureen that wonderful secret. 

Norah. {inquiringly) What w^ere you telling Maureen, when I 
entered the room so unexnectlv, Mr. O'Ragen? 

Con. (aside) Now for a lie. (aloud) I was just (shakes fist at 
Maureen, behind Norah's back) tellin' Maureen about the rows and 
ructions I had when I went to Dublin with Tim Farrell. 

Norah. Indeed ! You had great times no doubt? 

Mau. They were drinking and fighting all the time, Miss Norah. 

Qon, Now, who touk] ye to spake? 



THE HA TINTED MILL. 5 

Man. {pretending to be angry.) I have just as much right to talk 
In this house as you I 

Con. Tliat's what ye think ! 

Mail. Kg ! it ain't what I tliink, it's what I know I 

JVorah. I'll settle all further dispute. Maureen go and help 
/Toother make the beds. (Maureex exit, l., pouting) Mr. O'Eagen, 
I wish to have a few words with you. 

Con. Yis, Miss. 

Norah. Now Con, we are alone, {looks around room) You saw 
Frank— Mr. Dalton ? You bring me a message ? {appealingly) Oh I 
say you do? 

Con. Yis, Miss Norah, I do. 

Xorah. (joyoush/) Please give it to m^, Con. Don't keep me 
wniling. {impatiently) Do you hear? : 

Con] {giving her letter) Here it is, Miss IS^orah, just as clane as 
whin I received it. 

Norah. {kisses letter and reads aloud) "Dear, N'orah, meet me to- 
night at the ruined chapel. Yours lovingl}^, Frank." 

During the reading of the letter, the face of Murty Tobin appears at 
window and then disappears again. 

Con. That man's in love up to his ears. 

Norah. I love Frank D.ilton better than my own life. If anything . 
>liould happen to Frank, I don't know what I would do! i 

Con. Whin a man or woman is in love, it's the only time in theiri 
lives, that aither have bin raley foolish. I 

Norah. {indignantly) Con b'E igeu, how can you have the as- 
Mirance to talk so? 

Con. Faith, I know what I say is true. Ain't I in love meself. 

Norah. (laughingly) You in love? Oil I dear, it's impossible. 

C>>n. ISTothino; i- impossible in this world. 

Norah. Very true. (Con starts l.) Where are you going, Con? 

''on. To find Maureen, an' to tell her what I was tryin' to. when 
ve interupted me by enterin' the room. (exit, l,. 

Norah. Faithful Con, what a friend you have been to the family, 
{hioks at letter) Poor Frank, how lonely you must be. I wish you 
were here, (a knock at door, n.} Perhips that's him. Co.ae in !l 

Enter, Murtv Tobin, r. e. 

Muriy. Good mornin', Mi^s Xorah. 

Norah. (indignanthi) Sir! What brings yon here? 

Mvrty. {humbly) I ax ver pardon, if I intrude. 

Norah. You do intrude. Did I not forbid you ever to come again . 

Murty. Ru!e I know ye dll, accnshla. 

Nnrnh. Then why do yon come? You waited like a snake in the 
oias?!. b' fore you entered. If Con O'Ragen was here, you would 
iie\rr dared show your ugly face within the door I 

Mnrtti. (gma-ing angrily) 'J'hem's hard wourds, Miss. 

Norah. Still they are true. You are mortally afraid of O'Eagen. 

Murty. {savagely) I know all that, but some day I'll git^'the 
(ipper hand of him, and thin look out for throuble! 

Norah. You never will if you live to be as old as Adam. But I 
waste words with you. What brought you her ** What do you 
want? 

Murty. To see ye. 



$ THE HAUNTED MILL. 

Norah. {proudly) "Well here I am. What do you want of me? 

Murty. Sure I bring; ye a meseage. 

Xorah. A U)essage from whom? Not Mr. Daltoii? 

Murty, No! yer own tlirue love! 

Norah. 1 don't nnderstand. It must be fiom Mr. Daltou? 

Murty. No, Miss Nora, it's not from liim. 

Norah. {in a temper) Then who is it from ? Why don't you speaii ? 
Have you lost the use of your tonoue? 

Murty. (looking around) It's from Squire Corrii^an. 

Norah. {in astonishment) Squire Corrigan ! Why he is already 
married, and besides a total stranger to me. 

Murly. He was married ye mane. 

Norah. Not was, but'is. 

Murty. Ye wrong him there. His wife died in Dublin. 

Norah. It must have been a blessing to tlie poor woman to be rid 
of such a monster. 

Murty. Monster is it? Ain't he one of the richest men in Ireland? 
A!id ye know he's not bad lookin'. 

Norah. Oh! yes, I know all tliat; but do 5'ou also know, your 
master is one of the biggest rascals unhung in Ireland to-day? 

Murty. Alsy me gurl ! Ye should 1 e more rhespeetful in speak- 
ing of yer future lord and master. 

Norah. Look here Mr. Murty Tobin, thief, traitor and tlie Lor I 
knows what else; I would not marry Squire Corrigan, if he was the 
last man on earih. Now go and tell your master wh it I said ! 

(exit, L. E. 

Murty. Ho! ho! But our burd's flyin' high. ^ 

Enter, Maukeen, r. e. 

Mau. Get out of this kitchen you imp of the devil, and don'l 
leave the track of your feet on the floor. 

Murty. So their's another one is there. I'm goin' mepritty maid. 

3Iau. None of your flattery. Sure the house is darlvcr since you 
entered, you ugly looking wretch. 

Murty, I'm goin' — 

Mau. Well be after doing it in a hurry. 

Murty. Afther I have a kiss from those ruby lips, {embraces her 

Mau. {struggling) Help ! help ! 

Enter, Cox, l. e. 

Con. What's the matter here? 

Murty, {frightened) Con O'Ragen ! 

{runs to R. Y,., followed by Con, k^/jo kicks him out 

Con. Take that with me compliments, ye robb.'r. 

JIau. Catch me, Con, I — I — am goino; to faint. 

Con. All right me darlin'. {she falls in his arms) Begorra she 
has collapsed, {looks at her face) How tomptiii' her lip^ look. 
{looks around room) I wondherif any one's lookin'. No. All seems 
to be quiet. Well here goes, {kisses her) Oh ! but that's swate. 
^ {kisses her again, she springs from his arms 

Mau. How dare you do such a thing. 

Con. Oh! ye mushtn't moind a little Lhingloike that. Wait until 
ive're married, and I'll be kissiu' and iiug2"i(»' fhrom mornin' until 
night. {Mavrken makes a face at him) But all jokin' aside: ye 
watch over Miss Norah, and I'll take care of Murty and his masther, 

(ex4'f, R. e. 



THE HA UNTED MILL. 7 

Man. {goes to window and calls) Con, you forgot something. 
{pouting) Oh ! dear, he's too far away to hear me. He's gone and 
forgot to tell me that awful secret. 

SCENE TI.— Woods Scene— music. 

Enter, Murty and Squire, r. e. 

Squire, (r.) Will, you delivered my message? What did she 
say 'f 

Murty. {limping) I'm positive I delivered yer message, (feeling 
binder his coat txdls) I have a remindher of it lierel 
inquire, (smiles) Hum ! i<icked out were you? 
Murty. Yes, and it's lueUy for me tiie door was open, or I'd wint 
tlirongh the ^^'alI. 

Squire. Yes, yes, but what did she say totlie message you brought 
heri* 

Murty. She stuck up her pritty nose, an' tould me to tell ye, she 
wouldn't wed ye, if ye were the last man on earth. 

Squire, {savagely) She laughed at my advances, hey? She 
scorned my wealth and ofler of marri.ige, did she? 

Murty. (limping) Y^ts, an' threatened to teil Con O'Ragen, if I 
ivtn* wint there again. 

Squire, (in a passion) Curse that Irishman, he'll ruin all by hisi 
meddling, (suddenly) JNIurt}', Con O'Kagen must be put out of the 
way ! 

Murty. (feeling coat tails) I'll attend to him. Squire. I've a score 
to settle with the devil, an' I'll yet have his life, or he'll have mine.' 
Squire. Norali O'Kelley shall become my wife, b}'' fair means or 
foul. 
Murty. An' I'll stick to ye through thick and thin. 
Squire, (shaking his hand) Good for you, Murty. Did you tell 
Xorah I was a widower? 
Murty. Yes, Squire. 

Squire. Did she make any remarks about the late Mrs. Corrigan? 
Murty. That it was a blessin' to tiie poor woman to be rid of such 
a monster. 

Squire, (furiously) Curse her, I'll time her yet I Did she have 
any suspicions? 

Murty. No ! I tould her yer lute lamented woife, died in Dublin. 
But whist, Squire, the neighbors are talkin'. 

Squire, (contemptoushj) Let them talk, the poor ignorant fools. 
They are afraid of their own shadows. 

Murty. 1 know tliat well enougli ; but Isaw Con, pro wlin' around 
the ould mill Inst iiight. 
Squire. Let liim prowl. Our bird is safely caged. 
Murty. (rubbiny his hands) Yes, she's as safe as if she was in her 
grave. 

Squire, (vehemently) I wish s>he was ! she's the only obstacle in 
the \'^iiy, to hinder me from marrying fair Norah O'Kelley. 

Murty. (in a lohisper) Aisy master, I've a great thing to tell ye. 
Squire, (impatiently) Out with it then. What is it? 
Murty. I was hiding in the woods to-day, when who should come 
along but young Dalton. 

Squire. The American, (meditating) Is he in my way too ? But 
go on ! go on ! 



8 THE HAUNTED MILL. 

Murty. Pritty soon along came Con ; thev meet an' began to talk. 
I was to far away lo hear what they said. Before they parted Dalton 
gave him a letter. 

Squire, {in surprise) A letter? 

Murty. Yis! {nods his head) I folio >ved Con, he wint straight to 
the Widow O'Kelley's an' gave it to Norah. 

Squire, (in deep thought) Did yoii learn the contents of the letter ? 

Murty. [trumphantly) Thrust the "Fox" for that ! 

Squire. Yes, the name is well bestovveil on yon. 

Murty. Well to continue, 1 hid beneath the window an' heard 
o^orah read it. 

Squire, {in approval) Oh I Murty you're a jewel, but what did 
the letter say ? 

Murty. {shrugging shoulders) That he'd meet her to-night — 

Squire, {excitedly) Meet her to-night ! Where? 

Murty. At the ruined chape!. 

Squire, {exultingly) Good! I'll be there, too. One knock on 
the liead will silence Dalton, and when to-morrow's sun rises, ha.igh y 
Aorah O'Kellej^ will be in my power. Come on Murty. 

{exeunt, l. 

Enter, Cox, r. e. 

Con. {looking after Squire and Murty) There goes two of the 
biggest divils in Ireland, unhung. 1 wonder what new divilmenc 
Lliey were hatchin'? Nothing good I'll be bound, {looks off n.) 
Hello! Here comes that stranuer, v.lio is makin' all the inquires 
about Squire Corrigan an' Murty 'J'obin. 1 wonder who he is an' 
what he wants? 

Enter, Rob Jackson, r. e. 

Boh. {boiving) Good morning my honest Irish friend. 

Con. {stiffly) Good mornin' yersc-lf. 

Bob. Will you do me a favor? 

Con. That depends. What is the favor ye want? 

Bob. Can 3-ou give me any information about thosd two men 
walking down the road ? 

Con. Divil abit yer honor. 

Bob. But 3''on might try. 

Con. What is it you wish to know? 

Bob, Merely a few little points about the pt\s,t lives of those men. 

{pouits after the Squire and Murty 

Con. Foiie awav ihin. 

Bob. Was not Squire Corrigan married? 

Con. He was. 

Bob. What became of his wife? i 

Con. No one knows, {mysteriously) She disappeared one night 
an' was never seen again. 

Bob. Oh, ho! never seen again. 

Con. Tiiat's t!ie gospel truth. She was last seen wallvin' in the 
direction of the ould mill with iier husband. 

Bob. Ves ! 

Con. Whin the neighbors inquired for her an' him, thr'y were 
tould by his servants, their mastiier wint to Dublin. 

Bub. Yes! And how long did the Squire remain away? 



THE HA UNTED MILL. 9 

Con. A monHi or so. Whin |.ie returned he had a yard of crap3 
on his hat. 

Bob. And when people asl^ed of liis wife, what answer did he 
make them? 

Con. With many a groan and sigh, he would point to his hat an' 
saj^ "Mv darlin' wife was suddenly taken ill in Dublin, with a con- 
tagious fever an' died." Of course' Mnrty Tobin had to tell tiie same 
irtory. 

Bob. (savagely) A damned scheming pair ol rascals, both of them. 
Con. I agree with ye, sir! 

Bob. See here my triend, you seem to be an honest sort of a chap, 
and I've taken a great fancy to you. 

Con. Thank ye, sir! an' I done the same to ye. 
Boh. ttliake on that, (shake hands) We will work together in 
running those devils to earth? 
Con. "With all me heart. 

Bob. One more question and I'm done. To whom does that old 
mill down the road belong? 

Con. That belongs to l;,be estate of the Widow O'lvelley. A mur- 
dher was committed tiiere one night, an' ever since the place is said 
to be haunted. 

Bob. Do you believe in ghosts ? 
Con. Xo I yer honor, I do not. 
Bob. ijroo I for you my boy ! 
Con. An' now I'd like to ask you a question. 
Bob. Oh! a dozen if you like. 
Con. One is sufficient, sur! 
Bob. AVell, go on ! 
Con. Well, who the divil are ye? 
Bob. Oh! a common ordinary man. 

Con. Yis, but a common, ordinary man don't be aftlier axing all 
the quest ions ye do. 

Bob. Your a sharp fellow, and would make a goo I detective. 
Cun. 1 didn't live in America for tin years, not to have me ej^e 
ti.-eth cut. There is something strange in your manner. 
Bob. Why do you think so? 

Con. The way ye have of followin' the Squire an' the ''Fox." 
Bob. I'il tell you, if you promise not to tell anyone. 
Con. (proudly) Con O'Kagen never breaks his word. 
Bob. 1 believe you. Xovv to tell you wlio I am. 
Con. Yis ! 

Bob. My nameis Robert Jackson, adetective from Scotland Yard. 
Con., (in astonishment) Thin ye're a m;in-hunter! 
Bob. Yes, il' you wish to call ihe members of my profession such. 
Con. An' what has Coi-rigan been doin' ? 
Bub. You remember his late wife? 
Con. Of course I do ! 
Bob. She was my sister. 
Con. Are ye tellin' me the truth? 

Lob. [sadly) I am ! When our father died, he left all his prop- 
erty to myself and sister. Squire Corrigan married her and brought 
her to Ireland. Six montlis ago 1 received a letter from her, telling 
me lit r tortnne had mysteriously vanished. Where it went she did 
not know. When Corrigan married her he was a po^r man, now he 
is reported to be immensely rich. 
Con. Ye don't think he killed his wife to get her fortune? 



10 THE HAUNTED MILL. 

Boh. I tlon't know what to think. , But I shall never leave Ireland, 
until I have solved this mystery. 

Con. {fervently) An' I'll do all in me power to help ye. 

Bob. (approvingly) Good! I'll tell yon what to do. Meet me to- 
morrow morning at the Widow O'Kelley's home. Then we will 
arrange a plan to visit the old mill to-morrow night and trap the 
ghosts. 

Con. Niver fear, I'll be there. Begorra, Corrigan, I wouldn't like 
to be in yer shoes jist now. {exeunt, r. 

Enter, Maursen, r. e. 

3Iau. I wonder what became of Con this morning when he fol" 
lowed Murty Tobin from the house ; I'd like to see him now, and 
learn that great secret. 

Enter, Murty, r. e. 

Murty. {overhearing her last loords) Won't I do jist as well? 
Mail, (in surprise) The Lord save me if it ain't that imp of the 
devil, Murty Tobin. 
Murty. Yis, me pritty one. 
Mau. 'None of your honeyed words to me, sir! 
Murty. Ye'd bitther spake civil to me, me gurl. 
31aii. (tauntingly) Bah ! I don't fear you nor your master either. 
Murty. (warningly) Have a care, shmarter people than ye have 
fallen. 
Mau. Lilce you disposed of Mrs. Corrigan. 

Murty. (frightened — ast(ie)|Hell and fury, can she suspect, (aloud) 
What do ye mean by such a remark? 
Mau. Oh ! you know well enough what I mean. 
Murty. {savagely) Ye know to much me gurl. Ye mhust come 
with me; ye'll ruin all. 
Mau. Don't you dare to touch me, you vile wretch. 
Murty. Oh, ho! I like yer spunk, but come with rae ye mhust. 

{seizes her 
Mau. (screams) Help ! help ! {struggles 

Murty. {in a passion) Curse ye, kape quiet. Do ye want to wake 
the dead ? 
Mau. (calls) Help! help! (struggles all the time 

Murty. (furiously) Shut up, or I'll strangle ye. 
Mau. (beseechingly) Oh! my God, Avill no one come to my aid? 
Murty. (exnltinglg) No one, ye are here alone an' defenseless, 
[n a few minutes ye will he safe undher lock and key. 
Mau. You won't dare do such a thing. Help! help! 

(faints— falls 
Murty. She's fainted an' there's no one to help her. 

Enter, Con, l. e. 

Con. Ye lie, ye thief! 

Murty. {starts back) The O'Kagen! Curse ye, will ye niver cease 
to cross me path ? 
Con. Not while such virmin as ye, crawl on the earth. 
Murtij. This will rid me of yer hated presence. 

{draws knife and rushes at Con 



THE HA UNTED MILL. 11 

Con. {coolly) Then yer an assassin as well as a thief, (draros 
revolver and i<trikes Murty on the head, Murty falls insensible) 
That will settle ye for a while. I declare I I forgot Maureen, {bends 
over and lifts her in his arms) She's only fainted, 1 will carry her 
down to Miss Xorah, an' leave her there.' {exit, l., icith Maureen 

Murty. {r in ing and feeling his head) Oh! me head, {groans) He 
nearlj'' cracked it whin he struck me, {groans) but I'll have my re- 
venge, {limps offR. 

SCENE III. — A ruined Chapel— midnight — lights down — grave-yard — 
moonlight falling on the tombstones — slow music. 

Enter, Noraii, r. e. 

Xorah. {looking around) Frank, dear Frank. Where are you 
Mr. Dalton ? My heart is in such a flutter. The place seems so still, 
not even the wind stirring the leaves of the trees. How happy the 
people must be who sleep in yonder graves. I can't see him. Can 
anything have befallen him? I hope not! I fear something is soiug 
10 happen. My heart seems as heavy as lead. {exit, l. 

Enter, Squire and Murty, r. e. 

Murty. {in a low tone) Sure, didn't 1 tell ye she'd come? I know 
what an attraction a young man is to a gurl. 

Sqttire. {reflecting) Yes, she has truly come to meet him. 

Murty. {in a ichisper) I^et's carry her ott" now. < 

i-'quire. All right. Have j'ou the chloroform ready? 

Murty. 'Yis. 

Squire. Then when I give the s'gn.-il, be read}^ If she screams, 
the neighbors will think it's the ghost of the old mill, 

Murty. Come on thin. 

Squire. Be cautious aud see where j^ou are going. One misstep 
wouid spoil all. Hist! someone is coming. Hide quick. 

{they conceal themselves behind tombstones — hack 

Enter, Frank Dalton, l. e. 

Frank, [tn an anxious tone) Xorah I Xorah I Not here yet? 
Strange, she never disappointed me before. There's a shadow ttiL- 
ting throLigh the graves. It must be her. 

Enter, Norah, l. e. 

Norah. Oh ! Frank, I'm all in a tremble for fear you'd not come. 
I was so frightened, the place being so still. 

Frank. Forgive me darling for keeping you waiting. I had to 
attend to some important business, which detained me longer than 
1 thought. 

(Frank and Norah converse in low tones — Squire and Murty rise 

Murty. They're both here now. 

Squire. Yon attend to young Dalton, one blow on the head will 
settle him. I'll fix the girl. 

Murty. Yis, come on. 

Squire and Murty advance, Murty strikes Dalton on the head, he 
falls to the stage insensible. The Squire seizes ^ or ah, lo ho 
screams, then chloroforms her, she sinks insensible in his arms. 



12 TEE IIAVXTED MILL. 

Squire, (in an excited tone) Hurry up ^Nliirt}', I heard an answer- 
ing cry. (exit, l., carrying Xohah in his arms, followed bv Murty 

Enter, Bob wul Con, r. e. 

Con. Come on man, I heard some one screiim in this direction. 

Bob. 80 did I. (stumbles over the body of Dalton, nmo groans) 
Hello! what h;ive we here? (strikes match and looks at the face of 
Dalton) Hello! who is this? 

Con. Frank Dalton as I live! Then Xorah O'Kelley is in the 
power of her deadly enemies! 

Bob. Then heaven help her. 

SLOW CURTAIN. 

END OF A.CT I. 



ACT II. 

SCENE I. — Same as Act I. Mrs. O'Kelley in rocking chair l. oj 
table, knitting; Maureen, r., sewing; table l. c. 

3Irs. O'Kelley. (in a sorroiofiil tone) Och, hone — och, hone, did 
I ever think I'd live to see the day when my darling child would be 
stolen awa}^ and no one knows where or by whom. 

Mau. Cheer up, Mrs. O'Kelley, remember every dark cloud has a 
silver lining. 

Mrs. C K. True for you d;»rling, I know it's foolish to act this 
way, but i can't help it. No one knows a mother's love better than 
a mother. 

Mau. Yes! yes! I know, but I am snre ISTorali wasn't murdered. 
Con saj^s, when he henrd the scream and rushed in among the graves,- 
he found young Dalton insensible on the ground, and no signs of 
Norah an3Mvhere. When Con questioned Dalton, all he said he 
remembered was a crashing blow on the head, and then all became 
a blank to him. 

Mrs. CK. And didn't he see who it was that struck him? 

Mau. No! they stole up behind him. 

Mrs. O'it. The cowardly wretches. 

3Iau. You may well say so; still I thhik it will all end well. 
Norah had not an enemy iti the world, to my knowledge. She never 
harmed anyone that I know of. She refused to weJ the Squire, and 
he swore to be revenged. If it was Squire Corrigan, who abducted 
Norah, Con \^ ill surely find her place of concealment, and then 
heaven help Corrigan and the "Fox." 

Mrs. O'K. (fervently) God bless the dear boy ! He has proven a 
friend to me and mine. He was the last to remain beside my d^ang 
husband. Poor Pat, he entrusted Norah and the estate to the care 
of the Con O'Ragen, and never was a duty more faithfully fulfilled. 
Con has been a lather and a brother to Norah, God bless him ! 

Enter, Con, r. e. 

Con. Mrs. O'Kelley, shnre don't take on so about the missin' 
colleen. With the help of Dalton an' that chap from England, we'll 
run the guilty parties down. 



THE HA UNTED 21ILL. 1^ 

Mrs. O'K. Heaven bless YOii Con, for tho^e words of comfort ; 
yon flon't know what a load you have triken off my heart, {exit, l. 
Mail. Con, have yon no suspicions wlio the guilty ones are? An- 
swer me, liave vou? 

Con. Weil 5'e see, Maureen, I didn't have much time since last 
night to form an opinion. 

Mau. {sharply) Answer at once, sir ! Xo use trying to get out 
of it; yon suspect Corrigan and the "Fox," and so do I. 

Con. It niiuist be the witch ye are, gurl, to know who I suspect. 
Mau. I'm no witch Con, or I'd soon tind Xorah's place of con- 
cealment. My suspicions are lonnded on facts. Wlio, but Sqnire 
Corrigan, would have any desire to abdnct Norah? 

Coil. Well, to tell the truth, 1 do believe it was the Squire, in fact 
I know it was. 

21au. You know it was? Have a care, sir ! Corrigan is rich and 
powerful. 

Con. Bah ! I fear neither him nor his riches. He ran off with 
Xorah O'Kelley, an' if a hair other head is harmed, I'll have Cor- 
rigan'sworthless life. 

Mau. But w hy are you so positive it was the Squire? 
Con. Didn't slie refuse to marry him ? What wonld be a greater 
revenge to a rejected suitor, than to carry off tiie gurl who had re- 
fnsed to marry him, an' tame her proud spirit. 
Mau. {dejectedly) 'J'rue tor you. 

Con. Norah is a proud spiriteil gurl, an' would rather die, than 
jield to such a monsther. Why 1 say it was tlie Squire, is this • 
When I rushed up an' found Dal ton insensible on the gronnd, I also 
found a letter addressed to Squire Corrigan, which he had lost. The 
letter was open, so I read it. It was from the captain of a smuggle, 
showin' that Corrigan is ihe head of the great band of smugglers, 
whiqh infest the coast. If I was to show it to the police and soldiers, 
Corrigan's doom would be sealed. 

Mau. And what do you intend to do with it? 
Con. To hould it against him. If Norah is notretnrne 1 wit'iin a 
leasonable time, sale and sound, woe betide the Squre, 
Mau. Squire Corrigan and Muriy Tobin are born d.vils. 
Con. They are divilsin the ?hape of min, but Ja, Kson, the detec- 
tive, left me last night, to follow up some clew>, as he calls thim. 
He promised to meet me here this morning; I'm growin' imp.itient. 
(a knock at door, r.) Perhaps that's him, Maureen go an' see. 

(Maureex goes to door, r. and opens it, Bob enters and Maureen 

exits, door l. 

Con. I was growin' impatient at yer iio:i-appearance. I thought 
ye had discovered somethin'. 

Bob. Oh, no! All I found out i^, that there is something mys- 
terious about the old mill, [looks ctround room) Are we alone? 

Con. We are. 

Boh. Now to b'sine-s. 

Con. I'm nil attention, sur! 

Bob. I want you to meet me to-night, "t the gnte of the old mill. 
There is something very queer going on there at night. 1 saw light>i 
fi ishing in the windows, last night. 

Con. Sure, I have seen the same things meself. 

Bob, Can you account for them? 

Con. No, sur! I can't. 



U THE HAUNTED MILL. 

Boh, Were you ever in the old mill after dark? 

Con. No, sur ! 

B(jb. Would you be nfr.iid to i;o there to-night with me, and ferret 
Jut the secret-; of the old pUicey 

Con. If it's anythiiiii,' lo discover the whereabouts of Norah, I'm 
with ye heart an' soul. 

Bob. All ri_i;hr, 1*11 ^'o now and prepare for to-nlj;ht. {exit, R. 

Cun. 1 hope we'll be succ^^ssful. i only want to see Norah safe 
ander this roof again, an' thin Corrigan look out. {exit, R. 

Eater, Mks. O'Kellky, l. e. 

Mrs. CK. Con, I wish to — (looks around) Oh! he's gone and be- 
fore 1 could tCil him what I wanted too. 1 wonder if he's in the 
^-ardV (a knock at door, r.) Some one knocks, 1 wonder w^ho it can 
be? Come in. 

Enter, Squire, r. e. 

Squire Corrigan, you here? 

;>qaire. {coldly) Yes! Mrs. O'Kelley, I wish to speak to you on 
a vi'rj'^ imiDortant subject. 

Mrs. (JK. Indeed ! What is it yoa wish to sajM 
inquire. Something that concerns you deeply; but be seated, 
please. 

Mrs. OK. {indirjnanth/) How dare you co'ne in my house? 
bquire. {coolii) Pardon me, Mrs. O'Kel.ey, it belongs to me. 
Mrs. CK. {in anwzernent) To you y Prove it if you can! M\'^ 
liusband acquired this hou>e and hind, and all of his estate honestly. 
Squire, {shruggiiig his shoulaers) 1 admit all that. 
Mrs. OK. {huthj) Then on what authority do you claim the 
estate ? 

Squire. On the riglit of a mortgage given to me on board the slilp 
carrying us to India, {pauses, then saoayely) by your husband! 
Mrs. O^K. My huiband? Impossible! My Husband had no debts. 
iSqui.rt. Pardon me if 1 coniradict a lady. Please seat yourself, 
and 1 will tell you a little st ry. '^botk sit r. and l. of table 

Mrs. OK. (humbly) Proceed, sir! 

Squire. You remember your late husband's regiment was ordered 
to India? 

Mrs. OK. I do. 

Squire. 1 was lieutenant in his companj''. Your husband, like 
most soldiers, was a desperate gambler. Are you loUowing me 
closely ? 

Mrs. OK. I am. 

Squire. On board the vessel, we had nothing to pass away the 
time with, but by car Is. One day three of us sat down to play, yonr 
husband, Murty Tobin and myself. Before your husband quitted 
the game, he owed me a large sum of money. In payment he gave 
me a mortgage on his home. Con O'Kagen and Muj-ty Tobin were 
the witnesses. 

Mrs. O'K. (sadly) Poor Patrick, how could you be so foolish, 
as to put yourself in this monsier's power. 

Squire. Now, what i propose to do, is this : Give mo "Norah in 
marriage, and on the day she becomes my wife, 1 will place tliQ 
mortgage in lier hands. 



THE HA VNTED MILL. 15 

Mrs. O'K. {vehementalhj) I would sooner die fir.^t. 

JSquire. isharply) Have a care madam. A marriage with me 
secures your home. A refusal, and you are both beggars. 

Jlrs.'O'K. (suplicatingly) Man! man ! have you no mercy ? 

/:<quire. No mercv to such as you. I await your answer. 

Jim. O'K. Will nothing satisfy you ? Be merciful, 1 ask not 
mercy for myself, but for my child. 

h^quire. Quick, your answer. 

Mrs. O'K. How can I consent? Xorah was abducted last night, 
and no one knows where slie is. If she was only here. 

Squire. 1 promise you this much. Norah shall be returned safe 
and unharmed, just as soon as you give your consent. Kefuse and 
you never see your chikl agahi. 

Mrs. O'K. {sobbing) 1— I Oh! my God! must I yield to this 
monster ? 

Squire, (impatiently) 1 await your answer, madam. 

Mrs. (fK. (sobbing) God help me, 1 consent! 

Squire, {triumphantly) Good ! you have done well. Your daugh- 
ter shall be returned to you within twenty -four hours. For the 
present, adieu. {exit, r. 

Mrs.O'K. Oh! God, what have I done? Have I done right in 
yielding to this man? But 1—1 consented to save my poor child 
Irom poverty and the pangs of hunger, (suddenly) The mortgage; 
he said Con was one of the witnesses. Con never told me of it. I'll 
go and find him and see if it is true. 

Enter, Con, r. e. 

Con. Cheer up ma'm, we'll yet find the colleen, or kill Squlie 
Corrigan. 

Mrs. WK. Con, I wish to ask you a question. I want a direct 
answer. 

Con. {aside) There's goin' to be thruble here in a minute, (aloud) 
What is it ma'm? 

Mrs. O'K. Were you one of the witnesses to a morto-i;; .' given by 
my husband, to Corrigan? 

'Con. (aside) How the divil can 1 git out of it. (aloud) Ye see 
ma'm — 

Mrs. CK. [sternly) Your answer. Con O'Kagen. 

Con. (dejectedly) 1 was. 

J/ro. CK. Then heaven help me, all is lost. 

(J'aints — falls into chair 

Con. The woman has fainted, (calls) Maureen, come hero 
q^uick ! 

Enter, Maureen, r. e. 

Man. What's the matter? (goes to Mrs. O'Kelley 

Con. Yer mistress has fainted. Tell her, she'll niver see me 
again, until this plot is all cleared up. 

Mau. (rubbing ^iRS. O'Kell^y's hands) Where are you going? 
Con. 'i o hunt down the "Fox" an' his masther. (extf, R. 

SCENE II.— Same as Act I, Scene II. 

Enter, Corrigan and Murty, r. e, 

Murty, An' she consents* does she ? 



16 THE HAUNTED MILL. 

Squire. Yes ! 

Murty, Did she m ike any fuss about the paper? 
Squire. She wouldn't hHlieve it at tiiv>t, until 1 told her Con was 
one of the witnesses. After that she h:id no more to say. 

Murty. It's ku-ky for us Coii U'R igeii didn't pay much attention 
to the game. Had he done so, he would have seen how the Colonel 
was being cheate'.l. 

Squire, {in a frightened tone) Xever speak of that again. The 
Colonel was killed in India, and no one now can prove that the 
mortgage is not legal. 
Murty. Except Con. 

Squire. He knows nothing of the plot; but [ wish to speak to you 
of a very ditferent thmg. J^ast night, when we abducted Norah, in 
the struggle with the girl, 1 lost a very important letter. 
Murty. What was the letther about? 

Squire, The one you brought me the other night, from the smug- 
gler. 

Murty. {in a startled tone) Merciful God! Squire, don't say ye 
have lost it? 

Squire, {coaly) I have though, or else it's been stolen. 
Murty. Then all is lost. 

Squire. I searched the ground around the old ruined chapel, but 
coukl not find it. 

Murty, {despairingly) If the letther is found an' read, our doom 
is sealed. 

Squire. We'll have to put a bold face on the matter and trust to 
luck to defy the enemy. 

; Murty. It's all right for you to talk, Squire, but if the people once 
get afier me, they'd tear me in pieces. 

Squire. I'll see you are well taken care of. 
Murty. I'll houid ye to yer promise, sur! 

Squire, Now Murty, hasten to the ruined chapel and hunt among 
the graves for the letter. 

Murty. I will do so Squire. {exit, l. 

Squire, {shaking his jist after Murty) Curse you, for an in- 
fernal meddler. When my plans are all completed,'then I will find 
some means of get ling you out of the way. 

Enter, Con, r., as Cokrigan exits l. 

Con. Ye will put Murty out of the way when yer plans are all 
accomplished, will yc"r' Well, I won't raise me hand to prevent ye 
from adding one more crime to the list of which ye are already 
guilty of, besides it will save the hangman a job. {looks off r.) Here 
comes the young A:nerican. That crack he received lasu nignt, has 
taken all the co.or out of his chedks 

Enter, Frank, r., his face pale, and head bound with a handkerchief. 

Con, How do ye feel this mornin' me brave young knight? That 
crack on the head lias made ye look loike another man. 

Frank, The infernal scoundrel that struck me, nearly killed me. 

Con. Oh I ye must not moind a little thing like that. 

Frank, {in a temper) Do you call such a piece of work as that a 
little thitng. 

Con, Oh I we in Ireland, don't moiul sufb a ^hi^.T of on 44. «u 



THE HA UKTED MILL. ^ 

tlie fnirs, a man lia^ to be able to handle a blackthorn, to be consid- 
ered one of the boys. So ye see wliat ye have missed, by bein' an 
Anifrican, instead of an Ii'ishinan. 

Frank. {Jwldiug his head) My head is achinf^ so, I wouldn't care 
if 1 was a Chineese. (suddenly) Mr. O'Ragen, hive you any news 
of Norah '? 

Con. Divil a bit, but Bob an' I have a plan on foot for to-night, to 
vMsitthe old mill. If ye would like to join us, meet me to-night at 
the gate of the mill. 

Frank. I would be g'ad to enter into any scheme that might lead 
to the whereabouts of Xorah. 

Con. All right, come on an' I'll see if I can't do something for 
yer aching head. {exit, l. 

SCENE III. — A ruined mill; a squire room with trap door, doors R., 

L. and c; lights low. 

Enter, Murty a7id Squire, r. e. 

Squire. Come on Murty, and hold that light steady. Don't let i* 
go out, I have no more matches. We might break our necks if we 
Hren't careful. 

Murt)/. {carrying a lantern) I'll be careful, Squire. 

Squire. See that you are. Now bring out the late Mrs. Corrigan. 

Murty. Yis, Squire, {places lantern on the floor) Where's the 
key? 

Squire, (handing him a key) Here it is. 

Murty opens door c. and disappears; he returns with Mrs. Corrigan, 
who looks pale and weak. 

Squire, {sarcastically) So my dear wife, we meet again. Are 
you not giad to see meV 

3Irs. C. (haughtly) Wretch, have you come liere again to steal 
away my senses with your accursed drugs? 

Squire. One more dose is all you must take. 

Mrs. C. You mean it will be my last. Monster I kill me at once, 
but don't force me to take the drug. 

Squire. 'Tis for the last time. 

Mrs. C. (beseechingly) Oh! my God, man, don't be so remorse- 
less. 

Squire. Time passes, are you going to take the drug quietly, or 
must 1 force vou? 

Mrs. C. Quietly? Never! I will struggle as long as there is 
power in my body. Devil do your worst, I defy you. 

inquire. JBe it so. Murty, are you prepared to act? 

Murty. All ready, Squire. 

Squire. Then come on. (both seize her, she struggles and screams; 
MvHTY holds her head and Corrigan pours the contents of a bottle 
down her throat. She coughs and chokes, and finally falls insensible 
in 'Mvkiy's arm.s) Now Murty, take her back to her room, {exit, 
Murty, door c, with Mrs. Corrigan in his arms) Now to get rid 
of Murty. In the cellar of tliis mill, flows the water, which once 
upon a time, turned the mill wheel ; 1 will hurl iiira down through 
yonder trap in the floor, to the cellar. The fall will stun him and 
the water will drown him. 



18 THE HAUNTED MILL 

Be-enter, Murty, c. e. 

Murty. She's slapuiglike a cliild. Squire. 

Squire. So far so ojood. Look w'rtr I di'^eavereJ while you were 
absent. {shun:., .Uluit a trap door in the floor 

Murty. AVhat is it, Squire? 

Squire, A trap door, (opens it) and look where it leads too. 
Murty. Where ? 

Squire. Look ! (Murty goes down on his hands and knoes and 
looks down the open trap, the Squire pushes him in head first \ he 
closes the trap and loalks away, then listens, returns and opens trap; 
listens and then looks in, then icalks away and forgets to close the trap) 
Curse you, that rids me of a troublesome chap. Now to brin.i? 
Norah from her place of concealment, {exit, door l. and returns, 
followed by Norah) I hope you have fared well since last night? 
Norah. What is the meaning of this outrage, sir? 
Squire. Oh ! nothing. You refused to become my wife, and like 
the knights of old, I carried j^ou to my castle. 

Norah. A lovely castle. My mother's old mill, if I am not mis- 
taken. Do you think I would wed such a mean, contemptible coward 
as you are ? 

Squire. Yes, my deal girl, you will. Your mother has given her 
consent. 

Norah. My mother consent to such a union? Never! 
Squire. Your motiier gave her consent this morning, when I 
nsked the hand of her fair daughter in marriage. 

Norah. Oh! there must be some terrible mistake somewhere. 
Squire. There is no mistake, 1 hold a mortgage on your mother's 
estage. Kefuse to wed me, and your mother is homeless. 
Norah. And on such terms, you ask my hand in wedlock? 
Squire. 1 do! 

Norah. Love on one hand and duty on the other. The love of a 
, noble man, and the duty I owe to my mother. Love or duty. Yes, 
;duty to my mother before all else, I will save her, howevjr, detesta- 
■ble this union is, I will become your wife. 

Squire. Good! Come now, we will go to your mother. 

{exeunt, l. 
Enter, Con, Bob and Frank, r. e. 

Con. (flashing a dark lantern around, the light of which falls on the 
open trap) Sure this is a divil of a place entirel}'". 

Boh. A regular witches den. Full of pitfalls and traps. 

Frank, {throwing a coil of rope on the stage) I have seen strange 
things in my life, but tliis old building beats them all. 

{walks close to the open trap 

Con. {warningly) Look out there Dalton, ye nearly fell into that 
hole. 

Frank, (jumping back) By jingo! So I did ! I wonder what is 
down there? Hello! there's a groan! {looks down in hole) It's as 
black as Egypt down there. 

Con, Can tliere be some one down there? 

Bob. Hark! there's another groan. I wonder who it is? (calls) 
Hello! (they listen) There is some one down there. Con, get the 
rope and we will soon see who it is, ( Con hands him the rope 



THE HA UNTED MILL. H 

Fronl-. Hello I down there, we are going to letdown a rope. 
Be ready to catch it! 

JIurty. {muffled tone) I will tr\'. 

Frank. Here goes then. (throios rope doion the hole 

Con. Can you reach it? 

Murty. {muffled as before) Yis. 

Con. Houlcl on then. Ready I All pnll! {they gradually draw 
MuKTY up to the stage) "The Fbx." 

Boh. Murtv Tobin ! 

Frank. The devil ! 

Con. How came yon down there? 

Murty. Squire Corrigan tried to kill me, by throwing me down 
there. 

Bob. And we saved your worthless life. 

Murty. {bowing) For wiiich I tliank ye, gentlemen. 

Frank. \\q want no thanks from such as you. 

Con. {sternly) Murty Tobin, ye are in me power at last. Join 
forces wiiii me and ye have 3'er liberty, refuse an' ye go to prison. 

Murty. {savagely) If it's anything to be revenged on Squire 
Corrigan, I'll do all in me power to help ye. 

Con. Wiiere Is Norah O'Kelley hidden? 

Murty. In yonder room. {points to door, l. 

Con. Bring her here. Kemember no tricks. (Murty goes to door 
and looks in) She's gone, 1 can see it in yer look of surprise. 

Murty. Yis, she's gone. 

Frank, [in despair) Not here ! Then where is she? 

Murty. I don't know, sur! Squire Corrigan must have taken her 
home. 

Con. God have mercy on hin if he hasn't. 

Boh. Is that all the prisoners this old place contains? 

Marty. Xo ! one more. 

Con. Who? 

Murty. Mrs. Corrigan. 

Con. {in astonishment) The Squire's wife? 

Murty. Yis. 

Boh. Liberate her. 

Murty goes to door r. and opens it, goes in and returns with Mrs. 

Corrigan. 

Murty. Here she is, gentlemen. 

Mrs. C. Have you come to tinish your cruel work by killing me? 

Boh. No sister, we have come to save you. 

Mrs. C. {in amazement) That voice. Surely, but no — I am dream- 
ing. 

Boh. Look, don't you know me? 

{GO'S flashes the light on his face 

Mrs. C. Brother I 

Bub. Sister! . {she falls in his arms 

Con. Hurra! 
{catches hold 0/ Murty and pulls him around the room in a loaltz 

Frank. Now Richard Corrigan, we have the upper hand and 
your race is run. 

CURTAIN. 

END OF ACT 11. 



so THE HAUNTED MILL. 

xiCT iir. 

SCENE I.—Sanie as Act 7, Scene I. Mrs. O'Kelley seated in rock- 
ing chair, L. of table. 

Mrs. O'IC. It's lonoj past tlie tiuu', when the Squire promised to 
return Avith Norah. J wonder what detains them? Can any acci- 
dent have occured ? 

Enter, Squire and jSTorah, r. e. 

You have returned, sir? 

Squire. I have done as I promised. IS'ovv Miss ISTorah, prepare 
for the ceremony. I will leave you with your mother while I ^o 
and sununon the clergyman to perform the marria.^e. For the 
present, adieu. (bows and exits r. 

Norah. Oh, mother! (sobbing 

Mrs. OK. IS'oraii, my child. {iUey embrace 

Norah. (Mrs. O^Ke-ll^ey resumes her seat, ^orau at her feet) And 
BO you have consented, mother, that I should wed Sq[uire Corrigan. 

Mrs. O^K. 1 only acted for the best, my child. 

Norah. Heaven bless you, mother, {aside) She little thinks 1 
consented to save her from the pantos of hunger. 

3Irs. O'K. Squire Corrigan is a rich man, Norah, and will un- 
doubtedly prove to be a loving husband. 

Norah. For your sake, mother, I will try to put up with him. 

Mrs. O'K. You must never think of that young American again, 
Norah. 

Norah. If you wish it, mother. 

Mrs. O'K. ^I do wish it my child. If we offend the Squire, he 
might forclose the mortgage, and then what would become of us? 

Norah. Cheer up, mother dear, I will be a true, loving and de- 
voted wife to Mr. Corrigan. (aside) Heaven forgive me for telling 
such a falsehood. 

3Irs. O'K. I will send Maureen to you, my child to dress you, for 
:Within the hour you will become Mrs. Richard Corrigan. (exit, l. 

Norah. My heart is breaking, though outwardly^I appear calm. 
To give up the love of Frank Dalton, almost kills me, but I make 
this sacritice to save my motriier and the old place from the hands of 
the sheriff. Dear old familiar scenes, where the happiest hours of 
my life were spent, but gladly would 1 foi-sake all, to become tie 
wife of the man I love, but it's not to be. Duty to ray motUer before 
all else. ^ She reared me and in return, this is all I can do to show^ 
my gratitude. I do this in obedience to my mother's wishes, al- 
though by the sacrifice, my heart is rent in twain. 

Enter, Maureen, l. 

Mail. Miss Norah, I am so glad you are home again, but all I hear 
About you marrying Squire Corrigan, is not true, is it? 

Norah. Yes, Maureen, every word of it. 

3Iau. Oh! dear, and what will become of the young gentleman 
from America? 

Norah. I have decided not to wed M^r. Dalton, so speak of him no 
more. 

Man. (thoughtful} I/) Sure, I wonder what became of Con? I 
(^aven't seen him to-day yet. 



THE HA UNTED MILL, ^1 

Norali. Poor fellow, won't lie be surprised when he hears the 
news. 

Man. All I'm afraid of, is, he will kill the Squire. 

Norah. For my sake, the Squire must not be harmed. 

Mau. Norah O'Kelley, would you stoop so low as to shield such a 
scounOrel from what he so richly deserves. 

Norah. {growing angry) No more of this. Squire Corrigan is my 
future husband, and as such must be respected. 

Man. My gracious! Sure you are not jesting darling, are you? 

Norah. 1 am not jesting. 1 speak the truth. Go and prepare the 
things in the parlor, for the weddinu", I wish to be alone, [exit, 
Mauheen, L.) Heaven guide me in the step I am about to take. 
May God in His merc}^ watch over me, and show me the path in 
which I should walk. Give me strength, Thou Almighty One, to 
fultil the duties of a wife, (a knock at door c.) I wonder who it can 
be? Come in. 

Enter, Feank, r. 

Norali. (in amazement) Frank ! 
Frank. Yes ! Norah, it is I. 

Norah. Oh ! Frank, if you don't want to break my heart, bid me 
good-by and go ! ' 

Frank. Why Norah, how strange you talk. Are you ill? What 
do you mean? 

Norah. I mean Frank Dalton, I can never be your wife, though 
I love you dearly ! 

Frank. Norah, you don't — but pshaw! You are but jesting? 
Norah. I am in earnest. I have promised to become the wife of 
Mr. Corrigan. 

Frank. The wife of that man? Impossible! Did you not also 
promise to become my Avife? 

Norah. Oh! God, I know I did, but you don't know, don't un- 
derstand the events which have happened lately, which threw an 
nnforseen obstacle in our way, and preventing us from ever becom- 
ing man and wife. 

Frank. Let me reason with you, Norah. Have I not the first 
claim on your atfection ? 

No) ah. I know vou have, Fr.-mk, but by the love you have for 
me. I beg of you, tiiink no more of me. 
Frank, {vehementlfi) Never! 

Norah. Yon must! 1 love you dearly and would willingly be- 
come your wife, if it was in xwy power to do so. 1 wed Corrigan to 
save one who is nearer and dearer to me. So now bid me good-by 
and go. The longer you remain in my piesence the more 1 sufler. 
Let up part as Iriends and not as enemies. Frank, good-by. (sadly 
Frank. Norah — {he kisses her hand and rushes off stage, r. 

Norah. Gone! Oh ! God, my life is wrecked forever. 

{sinks in chair and bows her head on table 

SCENE II. — Same as Act I. Scene II. 

Enter, Con, followed by 'Mns. Corrigan and Bob. Bob drags Murty 

171, who is pleading and begging. 

Con. Come along, I say, bring the blackguard along an' we'll 
make him confess aU or send him to x^rison. 



^S THE HAUNTED MILL. 

Murty, {falls on his knees) ILive mercy, gentlemen, an' I'll tell 
all. 

Con. {sternly) Get up ye coward, an' tell everything. Hurry 
up, nie hands are itching to put tlie handcuffs on yer wrists. 
Murty. I'll confess everything. 

Con. Start in then. I'll ax tlie question an' you do the answer- 
ing. Are ye ready? 
Murty. Ready yer honor. 

Con. Here goes thin : Wliat was the object of Corrigan in lockin' 
up his wife in the ould mill ? 

Murty. He wished to put her out of the way, in order that he 
might marry Norah O'Kelley. 

Boh. Wait a minute, Con, See here Murty Tobin, you were a 
friend to the Squire for a number of years? 
Murty. Sure we were boys together. 

Boh. Well then, can you tell me wliat became of his wife's for- 
tune. 

Murty. He has it safe and sound, 5'er lionor. 
Boh. But my sister wrote to me, informing i-aq. he hal lost it. 
Murty. That's aisy explained. Your sister gave it to the Squire. 
(Mr!S. Corrigan is seated on log^ listening to Co.v in a do-zed 
manner, lolio is talking to her) He lold her he had lost it in specula- 
tion, but the scoundrel had it safe at home in his safe. The Squire 
wanted her out of the way, so that he could enjoy the fortune; but 
as he did not wish to kill ii r, he imprisoned her in the ould mill, an' 
began to poison her by degrees. He then circulated the report in the 
neighljorhood that the old place was haunted. How well he suc- 
ceeded you well know. 

Boh. Oh! the monster, was there any crime the villain was not 
capable of committing? ( sits down hy his sister 

Con. {jumping to his feet) It's my turn now. 
Bob. Go ahead. 

Con. Why did he wish to marry Norah ? 
Murty. To get the gurl's fortune, of course. 

Con. But she lias no fortune; Corrigan houlds a mortgage on the 
estate. 

Murty. Yis, but the mortgage is illegal. 

Con. Illegal, is it? Don't try to tell me that. Wasn't I one of 
the witnesses? 

Murty. Very true, but did you carefully watch the game on board 
the ship, that day ? 

Con. Not as carefully as I should have done. 
Murty. If ye had, ye would have seen how the Colonel was being 
cheated by the Squire. 

Con. Did the Squire cheat my ould masther ? 
Murty. He did! 

Con. {joyoiisly) Thin the mortgage is of no account? 
Murty. The mortgage, which Squire Corrigrn houlds, is not 
A^orth the paper on which it is written. 

Con. Murty Tobin, the news ye have just communicated to me, 
las lifted a load off me heart bigger than a mountain. 
Murty. Thin I have earned me liberty? 

Con. Ye have, but don't leave us just at present, as we have fur- 
her work for ye to do. 
Murty. What else must I do? 



THE HA UNTED MILL. S3 

Con. Before we arrest Corrigan, ye must confront him at the 
mnrriaoe ceremony. He will believe it is a ghost, ?.n' confess all. 

Murty. Jc's a splendid idea, an' one way of bein' revenged. 

{exit, L, 

B(h. {looking off r., 1 e.) Who is this coming here in such a 
hurry? 

Con. Bless me if it's not Frank Dalton. I wonder what ails him ? 

J^ob. 1 can't understand him at all. 

Enter, Fkank, r. e. 

Con. Wliat's the matter man ? Ye look as if ye were goin' to yer 
own funeral. 

Frank, {despairingly) It's all over. 

Con. What's over? 

Frank. Everything between myself and Miss Norah. 5 

Con. No? 

Bob. Impossible! 

Frank. Yes, 'tis true, the engagement is broken. 

Con. Did she give a reason why she wouldn't wed ye? 

Frank. Yes. 

Bob. Tell it to us. Don't be afraid, we are your friends and may 
be able to assist you. 

Frank, {despairingln) Well the long and the short of it is, she is 
going to wed the Squire. 

Bob. Wed the Squire? 

Con. Oh, murther! 

Frank. And as she can't marry both of us, I am the one that must/ 
suiter. 

Con. Not at all me boy. We'll remedy all that. 

Frank. It's too late now. 

Con. It's never too late to defeat the schemes of a villain. 

Bob. That's so, Con. 

Con. Sure I know it is. I've a great scheme in me head. 

Bob. Your head seems to be full of schemes. Let's hear your 
echeme. 

Con. To perform the marriao-f c;Me;nony; naturally the Squire" 
will require the services of a (.-lergyman. Now as Corrigan don't 
know much about the Parisli Priest, me scheme is to have Frank 
boriovv the priest's clotlies, an' manage it so as to meet the Squire on 
his way to procure the pric-st, an' have liiui perform the ceremony; 
an' at the proper time, confront liiui witli his wife an' Murty Tobin. 

Frank. It's a great scheme, if the priest consents to lend me his 
garments. 

Con. That will be all right. Explain everything to him, but first 
of nil, tell him it was I that sent ye there. 
Frank. I'm off at once. 

Con. All right, take Bob an' his sister with ye. 
Frank. Come along, Robert. 

{exit, L., Frank and Bob helping Mrs. Corrigan between them. 
Con. {slowly) A few hours more an' Corrigan's race is run. 
He made a strong fight, but like all scoundrels, tripped himself up 
at the last moment, {looks offR., 1 e.) Why as I live, here come^ 
Maureen. 



U TEE HAUNTED MILL. 

Enter, Maureen, r., 1 e. 

Mau. Con O'Kagen, I'm ashamed of you, and I don't want to talk 
to you again. 

Con. [aside) Now what the divil ails the gurl? (aloud) Yonno- 
woman, I don't understand the meaning of such words as you just 
addressed to me. 

Mau. Oh! you don't, don't you? 

Con. No! I don't, and furthermore, I wish ye'd explain them. 
3fau. Look me in the eyes. Con, and tell me what you see. 
Con. A very line pair of eyes, me gurl. 
Mau. You are just as hateful as you can be. 
Con. (Mavrf.k'n pretending to cry) Now, aecu^hla, don't cry. 
3Iau. 1 can't help it. You promise 1 Mrs. O'Kelley to take care 
of Norah, and when your protection is most needed, you can't be 
found. 

Con. What's up now? 

Mau. Do you know that Norah and the Squire are to be marrieJ 
to-day ? 

Con. Is that all ? 

Mau. Is that all? Ain't that enough ? 
Con. Oh ! sure such news as that is ancient history to me. 
Mau. You knew of it then? 
Con. Of course I did. 

Mau. And you never did anything to prevent it? 
Con. Oh ! I had me own good reasons for that. 
Mau. {wistfully) But Con, dear. 
Con. Yis, accushla. 

Mau. What was the great secret you were going to tdl me the 
other day? 

Con. {winking at the audience) Oh! the secret is it? 
Mau. Yes, Con. 
Con. You won't tell anyone? 
Mau. I promise. 

Con, An' you will give me a straightforward answer? 
Mau. Yes, Con. 

Con. Well, the secret is, that I love ye, an' want ye to become 
Mrs. O'Ragen, on the day Frank Daiton wed-i Norah O'Kelley. 

Mau. {lays her head on his shoulder — suddenly) Oh, Con! Yes, 
but Con, Frank and Norah are not to be married. 

Con. Yis, they are darlin', so come alonj; and prepare for the 
ceremony. {exeunt, r. 

Enter, Squire, l. 

Squire. At last my plans are almost completed. One more bold 
stroke and the fortune of Norah O'Kelley is mine. All the obstacles 
have been removed from my path. Murty J'obin is now food for the 
lishes of the ocean. Mv late w.fe must be surely dead by this time. 
No one will dare to visit the old mill on account of the ghosts, with 
which it is said to be haunted. Some dark, stormy night I will go 
there and dispose of the body. No one knows what became of her, 
and I am suie I don't care. I am on my way to procure a Priest to 
perform the marriage, {looks off h.) VVho is this stranger coming 
this way. I do believe it is the Parish Priest. Yes, it is him. Now 
to engage his reverence to tie the knot. 



THE HA UNTED MILL. SS 

Enter, Frank, l. e., dressed as a priest. 

Frank. Good mornino;, my son. 

Squire. Good moruingr, your Reverence, pleasant day ! 

Frank. Yes, my son, for which we should return thanks to the 
Lord. 

Squire. Are you very busj^ this morning, father? 

Frank, l^ol my son, I am not. 

Squire. 1 was on my »vay to your house to have your Reverence 

perform a marriage, when 1 met you now. 

Frank. Have tlie bans been published? 

Squire. Yes, your Reverence. 

Irank. (aside) Heavens! what a lie. (aloud) Lead on my son, 

and I will follow yon. 

Squire. And you will perform tlie cerenionj-? 

Frank. With all my heart. 

SCENE III. — A parlor. A room richlij furnished — lai'ge door in c, 
doors R. and l. Xokah, m loiiite, seated l. 

Norah. Tlie hour approaches, when like a lamb, I will be lead to 
the place ot sacrifice. All my hopes forever blasted. I "have care- 
fully weighed the step I am about to take, and what do I find? A 
cool, calculating scoundrel, who fears neither God nor man. One, 
who would sell liis soul for gold, it he thought it would better his 
own selfifeh ends. And such is the man 1 am to wed. 

Enter, Mrs. O'Kelley, door r. 

V 

Mrs. 0''K. (in surprise) Norah, here and alone? 

Norah. Yes, mother. When Mr. Corrigan went to procure the 
Priest, 1 came here lo oifer to God a pra} er, to watch over me in m}"- 
hour of need. 

Mrs. O'K. You should not give way to your grief so, I am sure 
Squire Corrigan will make a good and loving iiusband. 

Norah. Mother, speak of him no more, 1 beg of you. 

Mrs. OK. M}' child, if it annoys you, 1 will refrain from men- 
tioning his name. 

Norah. Thank you, mother. ^ 

Mrs. O^K. 1 wonder what became of Con? lynaven't seen him 
to-day. 

Norah. How 1 do wish he was here! I am sure he would do 
something to prevent this hateful union. 

Mr^. 0'' K. 1 fear it's not in his power to prevent it. 

Norah. Still he would trv. [a knock at door, l. 

Mrs. (JK. Oil ! God, 1 pray it's Con. 

Norah. Come in ! 

Enter, Squire and Frank, door, l. 

Squire. Lhave brought the Priest who is to pei'form the marriage 
ceremony, (pointing to Norahj Your Reverence, this is the one 
who is about to become the happy bride. 

Frank, (aside) 1 am afraid to look her in the face, for fear she 
will know me and spoil all. {aloud) A very prett}'' girl, indeed. 

Norah. Mr. Corrigan, 1 have a favor to ask of you. 



Sr6 THE HAUNTED MILL. 

Squire. Ask anythinp- in my power and I will grant it to you. 

Norah. Do not make a rash promise, sir! 

Squire. AVhat is tlie favor you wish me to grant? 

Norah. That you will invite Mr. Dalton to be present at my mar- 
riage, {the Peiest gives a start of surprise 

Squire. Impossible ! I cannot grant such a favor. 

Norah. Kemember your promise. 

Squire. I care not for iny promise. 

The Priest shakes his fist at the Squire, lohile the Squire i^s talking 

to NORAII. 

Enter, Maureen, door, r. 

Norah. Maureen, run dov.-n to Mrs. O'Brien's and see if Con is 
there. 

Man. Yes, Miss Norah. 

Squire. Young woman, {to Maureen) remain where you are. 

Norah. Kichard Corrigan, it is true that in a short time I will be- 
come your wife: but before that event takes place, 1 am free to do 
as 1 wish, {the Priest about to clap his hands and applause, and then 
remains quiet) You have seen fit to countermand my orders. I now 
command my servant to bring Con O'Kagen here, {the Prikst j^imps 
wp and makes a motion toward Corrigan, and then resumas his seat 
ajain) If Con cannot be found, then let the ceremony begin. 
' Squire. I submit; bring him here. 

Mau. Yes, sir ! {exit, door, Cc 

Norah. {aside) I have been nerving myself for the sacrifice, but 
/It the last moment my heart fails me. I do hope and pray that 
Maureen will find Con. 

lie-enter, Maureen, door c. 

Mau. He wasen't there, Miss— I met Mrs. O'Brien at the door 
and she said he was not at home. 

Squire. Miss Norah, all is ready. His Keverence is growing im- 
patient. 

Norah. {aside) Heaven help me, all is lost. 

JIau. 1 am sure the God above, who knows and sees all things, 
will not allow such a thing to go on much longer. 

Norah. {aside to Maureen) I see no way of escape. 

Mau. {to Norah) Well, if you wed Squire Corrigan, I can never 
marry Con O'Eagen. 

Squire. Your Keverence proceed. 

Frank, {to Norah) Are you ready my child ? 

Norah. Yes, your Reverence. 

Frank. Do thou, Norah O'Kelley, take this man to be thy lawful 
husband? 

Norah. {faintly) I do. 

Frank. And thou, Richard Corrigan, take this woman to be thy 
lawful wife ? 

Sauire. I do. 

Frank. Before I pronounce thee husband and wife, if there i:S 
anyone present who knows why this man and woman should not be 
united in the bonds of matrimony, let him now speak, or forever 
hold his peace. 



THE HA UNTED MILL, S) 

Enter, Con, door c. 

Con. Idol 

fSquire. (aside) Con O'Ragen. Curse him, will he always be an 
obstacle in my way: but why should I fear, he can prove nothing 

Frank, Why do you object to this marriage? 

Con. (poinUng to the Squire) Because that man is already 
married. 

Xorah. {horrified) Monster! 

Squire, [furiously) It's a lie ! 

Con. {sternly) It's the truth. 

Squire. Prove it if you can, I defy you I 

Con. {calls) Mrs. Corrigan. 

Enter, Mrs. Corrigan and Bob, door c. 

Squire, {in a startled tone) My God ! Julia, my wife. 

Mrs. C, Yes, Mr. Corrigan, the wife you tried to kill. Your wife 
once, but no more. 

Squire, {savagely) Had you bee;i a minute later, the proud 
Norah would have been my wife. 

Frank, {throwiny off disguise) It would never have been, Dick' 
Corrigan ! 

Omnes. (in astonishment) Fr.ink Dalton I 

Frank. Yes, the man Squire Corrigan almost killed in the grave- 
yard. 

S.fcdre. I have played a desperate game and lost, but I hftve one, 
consolation, if I can't marry Norah, 1 can render her homeless, for 
1 hold a mortgage on this estate. 

Frank. Ouceagaln we have battled you. The mortgage is illegaii. 

Squire. Illegal? Prove it if you can. 

Frank. 1 can and will. 

Squire. Do so. 

Frank, {calls) Murty Tobin, this way! 

Filter, Murty, door c. 

Squire, {aside) Murty Tobin alive? What if he should have 
escaped? {turns and sees him — aloud) My God, it's him, alive and 
well. • The game is up. I have been beaten at all points. 

Frank. Your accomplice has confessed all. What have you to 
?ay for yourself? 

Squire. Nothing. I took big chances and lost. As I committed 
no crime, T suppose I may go? 

Bob. Yes, to prison with me. I ho'd a warrant for your arrest. 

Squire. My arrest? On \vtfiat charge? 

Bob. Being the head of the smugglers, with which the coast is 
• infested. 

Squire. Then j-ou found the letter ? 

Bob. Yes, so come on. 

Squire. What becomes of Tobin? 

Bob. He has received a free pardon, on condition that he leaves 
Ireland. 

Murty. Yer no match for me, S(]iiire. 

Bob. Come Corrigan, I am waiting. 

Murtii. And I'll go too, an' see he don't escape. 

(exiY, Squire, Bob and Murty, door c. 



r3 TEE HAUNTED MILL. 

Con. Hurra ! He has received his just clues at last ! 

Frank. And now friends, as the clouds have all disappeared from 
off the horizon of our lives, I move that we all go down to the Priest's 
house and enjoy the wedding banquet, which I have secretly caused 
to be spread. 

Norah. In honor of whom, Frank? 

Frank. For you my darling, for I mean to make you my wife 
to-day. 

Con. An' sure, while we are havin' one weddin', we might as 
well have two. 

Frank. Who is the other couple? 

Con. Meself an' Maureen. 

Man. Con, how can you talk so? 

Con. Oh ! it's all right, darlin'. 

Mrs. 0'7i. And before we depart for the Priest's house, I wish to 
return thanks to Con O'Ragen, for the great care he has taken of 
me ajid mine. 

KoRAH AND Frank. 

Mks. O'Kelley. Maureen. 

Mrs. Corrigan. Con. 

CUBTAIN. 

THE END. 



SYNOPSIS OF EVENTS. 

ACT I. -Home of Mrs. O'Kelley. 

(Scene I. — "The last Rose of Summer." Con and Maureen. The secret. A love 
scene interrupted by Norah O'Kelley. The letter, and appointment to meet at the 
ruined Chapel. Murty Tobin, an eavesdropper. Murty delivers Sq 'ire Corrigan's 
message. How ISJorali received it. Maureen and Murty. Arrival of Con in time to 
prevent Murty from kissing his sweatheart, Maureen faints and Con takes advantage 
and steals a kiss. 

Scene 11. — Murty informs his master of the meeting at the Chapel. They arrange 
to kill Frank and abduct Norah. Con's opinion of Murty and his master. Bob 
Jackson, the detective and Con decides to search the old mill. Maureen and Murty. 
The quarrel. The attempt to abduct Maureen, Con to the rescue. 

Scene III. — The Chapel at midnight. The Squire and Murty, unseen witnesses of the 
meeting of Frank and Norah. Attempted murder and the abduction of Norah. Con 
and Bob discover Frank, "Heaven help Norah, for she is in the hands of her enemies.'' 

ACT II.— Same as Act I. 

Scene I. — Home of Mrs. O'Kelley. Arrival of Con. Maureen and Con, the mystery 
of the old mill. Squire Corrigan and Mrs. O'Kelley. The demand for Norah' s hand 
in marriage and refusal. The mortgage. "God help me, I consent" 

Scene //.—Squire Corrigan and Murty. The lost letter. Con and Frank, "We'll visit 
the old mill to-night." 

Sceru /y/.— Haunted mill. Mrs. Corrigan, a prisoner in the mill. Squire Corrigan 
and Murty visit the prisoner, another dose of poison. A trap door. Squire Corrigan 
thro'vs Murty down through the trapdoor. "Curse him, he is out of my Avay." In- 
terview between Squire Corrigan and Norah, who he has locked into the haunted mill. 
Norah's consent to be the Squire's wife, to save her mother. The I'aid on the haunted 
mill, MuFty discovered and released, he reveals the secrets of the mill, Meeting of 
Mrs. Corrigan and her brother. 

ACT III.— Same as Act I. 

Scene /.—Return of Norah. Mother and daughter meet. Frank and Norah, dispair 
of Frank, on hearing of Norah's intended marriage with the Squire. "OhI God, my 
life IS wrecked forever," 

(Scene //.—Murty turns State witness. The mortgage illegal. Frank Dalton. Con's 
little scheme. Maureen and Con, the secret revealed. Squire Corrigan and the 
Priest, 

Scene ///.—Norah and her mother. "The hour approaches." Arrival of the Squire 
and Priest. The marriage interrupted. Mrs, Corrigan and Murty, unbidden guests. 
The disguised Priest. "The game is up, I ve lost all." A double wedding, complete 
the happiness of Frank and Norah, Con and Maureen. 



THE ADVENTURESS; 

—OR — 

Lad yEvelyn'sTriu mph 

A drama in 4 acts by W. Bert Emerson, for 8 male 
and 6 female characters. Costumes modern. Time of 
performance 1 hour and 40 minuter, 

SYNOPSIS. 

ACT I.— Home of Sir Harold Courtily. 

Evelyn, Sir Harold's gecond wife. A happy home. "I'm the happiest man in all 
England." The letter from Calcutta. "Uh! Heaven';^, it is from Louisa, my wife 
whom I supposed was lost in that steam boat accident, three years ago." "My poor 
Eva, this is maddening." Susan and Pete overhears Sir Harold reading the letter. 
"We'll help Lady Evelyn." Arrival of Frank Foster, the new Secretary. The solilo- 
quy. "I'll have no mercy." 

Belle and Leo. "A father's trouble." Sir Harold and Lady Eva, "No one shall 
part us." Pete thinks it time to help Sir Harold. Pete steals the Calcutta letter and 
gives to Lady Evelyn. Her resolve and plan to unmask the plotters. Frank Foster 
icomes to Lady E\elyn's aid and sends for his brother Charley. 

ACT II.— A Plainly Furnished Room at a Hotel. 

Joe Rice and Ro-e, the Adventuress, who passes herself off for Harold's first wif ?• 
Joe's soliloquy. "So I am to impersonate l)r. Murnhy." Interview between Sir 
Harold and L>r. Murphy. Rose as an eaves-dropper. Susan and Pete overhears the 
plot to ruin Lady Evelyn. Eva's note to Sir Harold, "1 have read the Calcutta letter." 
Susan and Pete. Pete nearly talked to death by an old maid. Leo and Bell's suspi- 
cions of Louisa— "She is not our mother." Frank Foster discovers in Lady Louisa his 
.'lost wife — I'll be revenged for all the misery she has caused me. 

ACT III.— A Reception Room. 

Arrival of Lady Evelyn disguised as Ch irley Foster. Meeting of Sir Harold and 
Charley— "That. k Ood he did not recognize me." The quarrel between Susan and 
Pete, in which Pete < omes off second best. Dr. Murphy and Rose, the nidnight ap- 
pointment. Frank Foster overhears the plotters— "I will give yon t.i. merriest sur- 
t)rise you ever had." 

ACT IV. -"Woods Scene. 

Mi Inight. Joe awaits the coming of Rose, who surprises i in. Arrival of Charley— 
"Lidy Lou's;i, y( uTgameis up, i know you as Hose, the Ad.eucuress." An.attempt to 
murder Charley, frustrated by Pete, Sir Harold, Leo, Belle and otlicers arrive on the 
scene. Rose and Joe prisoner's. Charley throws off disguise— "Harold, don't j'ou 
know me.'' Frank Harris confronts Rose, his wife. "Lost! lost! but the Adventure s 
will die game." l)eathof Rose. The double wedding. Susan and the Policeman. 
A happy ending, as Lady Evelyn t iumphs over Rose, the Adventuress. 

Price l£c. 



A Matchmaking Father. 

A Farce in 1 act by Shettle and George, for 2 male 
and 2 female characters. The matchmak ng father has 
two daughters who are e pensive in dress, etc., and it 
seems to be the only desire of his life to get them "off his 
hands." He at last succeeds, and the farce tells how ho 
does it. Costumes modern. Time— 30 minutes. Price 15o 



Santa Claus' Daughter, 

A Musical 

Christmas Burlesque 

In Two Acts, 

By Everett Elliott and E. W. Hardcastle for 13 characters. 
A new and sparkling Christmas Burlesque, 

introducing Songs, Marches and many 
New and Brilliant Witticisms. 



SYNOPSIS OF EVENTS. 

ACT I.— Scene, North Pole Snow Castlo. Santa Glaus' home. Song of the Snow- 
fairies. Gussie and the Fairies. Santa Claus preparing for his "night out." The 
"Directory." "The Dude." Kitty M'ants to move to the land of mortals, where men 
are plenty. Santa Ckius' advice. Song by Santa Claus and family, "A Model Man." 
Gussie, "That's clevah, deueedly elevah doneher no?" Gussie's attempt to sing. 
Chestnut bell. Sanfa Claus' promise to bring Kitty a man. Astonishment at Kitty's 
rash request. Caught out on a foul. "I'll bring her a boodler, a Farmer.s Alliance 
man," anything to die^u^ther with the whole r;ice. 'Song— Sleighing song. Depar- 
ture of Santa Claus tor the land of mortals, in his sleigh and fleet-footed reindeers. 

ACT. II.— Return of Santa Claus, with an Irish Paddy. Santa Claus and Gussie 
witness unseen, the meeting of Kitty and "her man." "Do yez chew gum, and play 
on the type-writer." Soug by Ki'ty, "The Pleasure of Catching a Man." The pro- 
posal. "The could weather will make yez a widdy before yez married, so it will." 
Banta Claus' despair at Kitty's acceptance of O'Kourke. Gussie has an idea. O'Rourke 
declared King of the North Pole. Coronation song. March by Fairies and Holidays. 
"The last ton of coal which broke ths camels back." O'Rourke ascends the throne. 
Cigarette or two. Kitty resolves to reform O'Rourke. Tableau. Erin appears. 
Her appeal in behalf of the Irish girls, beats the world and Kitty isn't in it. 
lilitty undecided whether to go with O'Rourke or remain, Tableau. Curtain. 



Just the thing for a Christmas entertainment, or will 
make a good after-picc*. Can use as many Eairies and 
Holidays in the chorus as the stage will accommodate. 
Time of performance 45 minutes. Price 15 Cents. 

Order a copy of 

Ames Publishing Co,, 

Loci Box, 152, - - Clyde, Ohio, 



THE THREE HATS 

K CarQBdy 

IN THREE ACTS, BY 

ALFRED HENNEQUIN, 

Translated and adapted from the French 
BY 



NEWTON CHISNELL 
This Comedy is written for 4 male and 3 female characters. 

SYNOPSIS. 

M. Atlolphe Trimndart, who on a visit to London saves the life of 
M. Dnpraillon at a fire, for which Diiprnillon i^ very grateful and 
takes Adolphe to his home in Paris — Adolphe falls in love with a 
youns: lady at a o:love store unknown to Dnpraillon — During Mrs. 
Dupraillon's absence from the city Dnpraillon accidently meets a 
lady — a supper at Clerbois' — an accident as he leaves the house 
causes him to stumble against some gentlemen whose hats are knocked 
off; during the scuffle the cry of "police" is heard, anil he picks up, 
as he supposes, his own hat, but on arriving at home he discovers 
he has a hat with M. Durand's card, while his hat has his own card 
in — His wife returns and he is afraid she will discover his adventure 
and supper at Clerbois' with the lady. The three hats cause a great 
deal of trouble as well as amusement, as the owners, as well as 
others, get mixed up in the misunderstanding caused bv tbe ox- 
changing of hats. Pri'^'^ 15 Cents. 

Hallabahoola, Medicine Man. 

An Original Farce in one scene, hy Bert Richards, 
author of *'The Colored Senators" ^'Fooling with the 
Wrong Man'' "Cupid's Capers,'' ''The Spellin' Skewl," etc. 
for 4 male and 3 female characters. The situations in this 
piece are extremely ludicrous ; Costumes to suit charac- 
ters ; Time of p>erf ordnance 40 minutes. Price 15 Cents. 

The Irish Squire, of Squash Ridge. 

A Farce in two scenes, by J. E. Crary, anthor of ''The 
Old Wayside Inn," "Alma, or United at Last," etc., 
for 4 male and 2 female characters . This farce is very 
funny and will he sure to please. Costumes modem and 
the time of performance is 40 minutes. Price 15 Cents, 




-Six.4^ 



A Border Drama in 5 acts by Len Ware, for 

8 male and 5 female characters. This drama is replete 

with startling situations and thrilling incidents. 

SYNOPSISJ)F^E VENTS. 

^ ^ ACT I. -The Land of Gold. 

>5cene 7— Tooinstoiie, a mining town iu California. Jerry Mack's saloon. Guy 
Lester, king of counterfeitors. Nell. The toast. Claim Ninety-Six. The meanest 
man. A. rlan to steal Charley Grey's dust. Arrival of Major Dolittle, from Ken- 
tuck. Nell and the Mijor. A love scene, which ends in "gin and peppermint." 

Scene //.—Charley Grey and Mack. Ebony, the boot black. Ebony's advice. Guy 
Lester, the octoroon. Toonistone quiet. "Slaves, runaway niggers." Ebony keeps 
his eves oren. 

Scene ///.—Sacramento .Joe and Nell. Nell's history. The little black book. 
Nell locks Sacramento .Joe in the cellar. Bell and Mack. Guy discovers Mack's 
secret. "Nigger whipper, slave driver." The quarrel. Sacramento Joe. "Don't pull 
boys, I've got the drop on ye. iv^d T don't give a cns^." 

^ ^^ ACT II.-Home of Bell Mack. 

Scene I. — Nells advice. Ebony tell'^ Nell of the raid to be made on Charley Grey's 
cabin. "Nell will be on deck t(!-nipht." "I eolly. dis chile will be dar' too." 

Scene IL — Mack's bad luck. A conpact of crime sealed. Nell on the war-path. 
E' ony's fright, "Now I— I— lay me down." 

Scene ///—Charley Grey's cabin. Mack and Guy searching for the gold dust. 
Timely arrival of Nell an I Ebony. "Throw up your hands or you are dead men." 
Escape of the robbers. Sacramento Joe, "I don't care a cuss." 
, ACT III.— Arthur Brandon's Home. 

Scene I. — The lost child. A living trouble. Bessie Grey deposits the gold dust in 
Mr. Brandon's safe. Guy Lester interviews Mr. Braadon in regards to the Grey's 
gold. 

Scene IT. — Peterson, the aprtle sass man from Vermont, in search of a meal. Ebony 
and Peterson. Snubbed by Bessie. "Squashed, tetotally squashed." 

Scene III. — Mack and Guy congratulate thpmselves on their escaping Nell's bulls''. 
"Charley Grey's wife will ran Toomstone." Peterson and his four barrels of apple sass. 
"Polly Ann Spriggins." Peterson proposes to Nell. The game of carls, Bessie Grev 
interrapts the game. The way to Vermont. The wife beater. Mack faces Nell's rifle 
the second time. 

' /S'c^ne/F.— Peterson, "a thin pair of pants and a light heart." Murder o£ Saqra- 
mentoJoe. Nell on the war-path. 

Scene F.— The safe robbery and murder of Mrs. Brandon. Nell arrives on the 
scene. 

ACT IV.-Gold Dust Saloon. 
Scene /.—Ebony and Nell. Arrest of Nell for the murder of Mrs. Brandon. "I'm 
not guilty." 

Scene II. — Major Dolittle and Ebony. Jennie, the octoroon, a runaway slave, 
meets her former master. The slave brand. "I could kill you." 

Scene in. — Bell's grief at the arrest of Nell ; Ebony's attempt to comfort her. "I 
golly, dis chile's eyes am leakin'." 

ACT V.-Street. 
Scene I. — Mack and Guy break open the jail and escape with Nell, the prisoner, 
to the mountain. Major Dolittle and Ebony arrange a plan to rescue Nell. Guy's 
secret discovered. 

(S'cene //.—Jennie tells Guy of her meeting Major Dolittle, "that cursed mark." 
Jennie and Nell in the cave. The quarrel, Jennie's murderous attemut to kill Nell, 
Mack interferes. The secret of the octoroons disclosed. Jennie stabs Mack. Guy 
and Jennie escipe. Ebony and Major Dolittle rescue Nell. Mack reveals to Nell 
who her parents are. 

Scene III. — ReKu'n of Nell, Ebony and Major Dolittle, to Toomstone. News of 
Mack's death. Charley Grey regains his stolen gold. Nell to return East with her 
father. Ebony can't be left behind to be hoo-dooed. 

Dramatic clubs wanting a good play should certainly try 

'•CLAIM 96." Price 25c. 

Note. — Hereafter the name "Nugget Nell" in the title of 
play, ^'Nugget Nell; or, Claim 96," will be dropped and 
published as Claim Ninety-Six. No other changes made. 



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